Ye Lingling was Dugu Yan's closest friend. Naturally, Yu Tianheng wouldn't shout at her.
But the blue-haired boy in front of him?
That was a different story.
Looking at Yu Tianheng now, Ye Qiu finally realized—this man wasn't just arrogant. He was domineering.
As expected of someone from the Blue Lightning Overlord Dragon Sect.
Since the other party was so eager to step on him, Ye Qiu wasn't someone who could be bullied easily.
Besides, he never had a good impression of that faction in the original story.
If offending them was unavoidable—so be it.
Once Dugu Yan was cured, Dugu Bo's toxin backlash would also be resolved.
And with the Blue Lightning Overlord Dragon Sect having only one true powerhouse left in the clan…
What could they really do to him?
Ye Qiu spread his hands lazily, wearing an expression that clearly said: What are you going to do about it?
"You're being awfully controlling," he replied lightly. "And besides… are you blind? Haven't I already seen her?"
"Boy! You're courting death!"
Crackling sounds filled the air as lightning began dancing wildly around Yu Tianheng's body.
As the direct heir of the Blue Lightning Overlord Dragon Sect, he had come here with a mission—one that absolutely could not fail.
He couldn't allow this unknown brat to ruin it.
"Enough!" Ye Lingling's voice cut in coldly. "Yu Tianheng, since when do you make decisions for Yanzi?"
"You—!" His expression changed.
But catching Dugu Yan's gaze from the side, he swallowed the rest of his anger.
Dugu Yan herself looked at Ye Lingling in surprise.
Originally, she had intended to sit back and watch the two clash.
She hadn't expected Ye Lingling to step in and help the blue-haired boy.
"Yanzi," Ye Lingling said calmly, "it's up to you whether you want to talk to Ye Qiu. Don't worry about me."
The two women exchanged a silent look.
After a brief pause, Dugu Yan turned toward Ye Qiu.
"Fine. Come with me. Lingling, you too."
"Yanzi—!"
"Enough!" She shot Yu Tianheng a sideways glance. "Don't call me Yanzi. Beat me first—then you can."
With a snort, she hooked her arm through Ye Lingling's and walked toward a nearby lounge.
Ye Qiu followed behind.
As he passed, Yu Tianheng's voice rang out coldly:
"Boy. Where are you from? I advise you to leave early. Some things… aren't yours to covet."
Ye Qiu frowned.
Only now did he realize something was off.
If Yu Tianheng were merely pursuing Dugu Yan, there would be no need for such hostility.
Unless—
He wasn't afraid of competition in love.
He was afraid of something else.
'So that's it…' Ye Qiu's eyes darkened.
This wasn't about romance.
It was about Dugu Bo.
About the poison.
No wonder Ye Lingling wanted him to drive Yu Tianheng away.
This man's intentions were far from pure.
Yu Tianheng watched them leave, cursing inwardly before letting out a cold laugh.
"Heh. Let's see what tricks you have."
The Blue Lightning Overlord Dragon Sect had offered countless benefits to Dugu Bo—yet the old poison master remained unmoved.
He didn't believe some unknown brat could offer something more valuable.
Yufeng and Oslo wisely stepped aside.
They had no interest in joining someone else's jealousy-fueled conflict.
Only the Shi brothers remained seated, quietly cultivating.
Inside the Lounge
The room was simple—just a few benches.
Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan sat side by side.
Ye Qiu sat opposite them.
The moment he sat down, he couldn't help but sigh.
"Miss Lingling… was it really necessary to plant such hatred on me?"
"Hmph." Her tone remained flat. "He already hates you. What difference does it make?"
She believed that with Ye Qiu's strength, handling Yu Tianheng wouldn't be difficult.
"You noticed something strange about him too, didn't you?" she asked.
"A little," Ye Qiu admitted. "But I'm not sure why."
"Hmph. Of course it's because—"
"Lingling." Dugu Yan cut her off sharply, casting a wary glance at Ye Qiu.
"…?"
Ye Qiu grew even more curious.
"Fine, I won't say more." Ye Lingling leaned close and whispered something into Dugu Yan's ear.
Watching the two women so close together, Ye Qiu awkwardly shifted his gaze away.
Dugu Yan noticed and curled her lips slightly.
"Alright," she said coolly. "Tell me. Why are you looking for me?"
Ye Qiu didn't answer immediately. Instead, he looked at Ye Lingling.
"Miss Lingling, could I trouble you to step outside for a moment?"
"You want me to leave?" she frowned.
"Don't worry. I won't harm her. I came here to save Miss Dugu."
"Save me?" Dugu Yan froze.
Then her expression darkened instantly.
Ye Lingling also sensed something was wrong.
"Lingling," Dugu Yan said softly, "wait outside."
After a brief hesitation, Ye Lingling stood.
Before leaving, she glanced at Ye Qiu—remembering his strange abilities—and whispered something to Dugu Yan.
A flicker of surprise flashed in Dugu Yan's eyes.
Click.
The door closed.
Outside
Yu Tianheng immediately approached.
"Ye Lingling. Where's Yanzi? Why hasn't she come out?"
"Why are you so anxious? It's only been a moment."
She sat calmly by the door, waiting.
Yu Tianheng could only suppress his frustration.
Inside the Room
Dugu Yan crossed her legs and leaned back in her chair.
Her pale face carried both curiosity and killing intent.
"What do you know?"
"I think your poison… is almost out of control," Ye Qiu said calmly.
The moment those words fell—
She stood up abruptly.
Her dark green eyes burned with murderous light.
So her instincts had been right.
This boy knew the secret of the Dugu clan's martial spirit.
Ye Qiu continued evenly:
"It's not just you. Even Poison Douluo himself has been deeply poisoned by backlash."
"Shut up!"
Her voice turned sharp and dangerous.
Without hesitation, she activated her martial soul.
Three soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple—rose beneath her feet.
Behind her, a phantom of a green phosphorous snake appeared, hissing faintly before merging into her body.
The entire room grew cold and oppressive.
Ye Qiu's expression changed.
"Wait… how is this possible? You're already at level forty?"
Her cultivation had surpassed what it was when she first appeared in Soto City.
What was going on?
Then—
His pupils shrank.
He stared at the phantom behind her.
Slowly, clearly, he uttered four words:
"Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor."
The snake's phantom behind Dugu Yan had two small horns growing from its head.
This was no ordinary Jade Phosphorus Snake.
It was the Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor.
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